Lead Pharmacist, Pharmacy Workforce Infrastructure Programme

NHS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in London is seeking a dynamic Lead Pharmacist to drive pharmacy workforce transformation. The role involves supporting independent prescribers and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance patient care. Candidates must hold a relevant MPharm degree, GPhC registration, and have strong leadership and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Comprehensive training programs

Qualifications

• Must have GPhC Registration and an MPharm degree.
• Experience in teaching, learning, and assessment methods.
• Strong understanding of NHS key policies related to pharmacy.

Responsibilities

• Support pharmacist independent prescribers to deliver patient care.
• Develop pharmacy transformational networks.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve access to medicines.

Skills

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Education

MPharm (4 years Masters degree)

GPhC Registration

Postgraduate qualification in clinical/community pharmacy

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Pharmacist to join our Pharmacy Workforce Infrastructure Programme. This role will work through the partnerships and relationships of the ICS to progress key elements of pharmacy workforce transformation and development. By 2026, all new pharmacists will join the workforce as independent prescribers, a major advance in the care provided by pharmacists as part of the multidisciplinary team.

If you are passionate about pharmacy workforce transformation and development and meet the person specification, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Support existing and upcoming pharmacist independent prescribers (IP) within NW London ICS to deliver high-quality patient care through their prescribing qualification.
• Assist eligible IPs in understanding and taking up the role of Designated Prescribing Practitioners (DPPs).
• Develop and support new and existing pharmacy transformational networks and relationships with other professional networks and local training hubs.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to improve access to high-quality medicines and reduce inequalities.

Main duties

• Support existing and upcoming pharmacist independent prescribers (IP) within NW London ICS to deliver high-quality patient care through their prescribing qualification.
• Assist eligible IPs in understanding and taking up the role of Designated Prescribing Practitioners (DPPs).
• Develop and support new and existing pharmacy transformational networks and relationships with other professional networks and local training hubs.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to improve access to high-quality medicines and reduce inequalities.

About us

Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award-winning clinics across North West London. We employ nearly 7,500 staff serving a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children’s services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid. We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan and aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.

Person Specification

Education and qualifications – Essential

• MPharm (4 years Masters degree)
• GPhC Registration
• Attendance at courses aimed to support educational development (e.g. educator course, Train the Trainer, etc.)
• Postgraduate qualification in clinical/community pharmacy or equivalent additional experience
• Mandatory Continuing Professional Development to maintain fitness to practice and revalidation

Desirable

• RPS Faculty membership at Advanced stage 2 or Mastery
• Relevant educational qualification such as postgraduate certificate or Masters in education

Experience – Essential

• Knowledge of educational theory relating to teaching, learning and assessment methods and curriculum design
• Understanding of NHS key policies in relation to pharmacy, prescribing, modernisation of services and workforce development
• Understanding of principles of quality management and enhancement
• Experience of clinical and educational leadership and innovation
• Demonstrable track record of delivery of service developments, education or accreditation programmes
• Understanding of developments involving relevant professional bodies, related NHS organisations and regulatory bodies
• Understanding of the workforce transformation agenda
• Active involvement in, and up to date with, appraisal processes
• Knowledge of the NHS, its structures and processes, including an understanding of healthcare/multi-professional workforce matters
• Knowledge of Foundation Pharmacist Programme and IETP reforms
• Experience of multidisciplinary working
• Experience of inter-agency working and the development of joint projects

Desirable

• Previous or current appointment as a leader in healthcare education
• Awareness of funding streams for healthcare education
• Understanding of current health, social care and education policy
• Experience of supporting future IPs as a DPP

Skills and knowledge – Essential

• Demonstrable leadership skills and an ability to influence and motivate others
• A strong sense of vision and ability to innovate
• Politically astute with an ability to sensitively manage complexity and uncertainty
• Ability to problem solve and maintain objectivity
• Strong interpersonal, communication, written and presentation skills
• Ability to quickly establish personal and professional credibility with colleagues and other key stakeholders
• Highly developed organisational skills - sound judgement in the absence of clear guidelines
• Time management and prioritisation
• Commitment to own development and to supporting others to develop
• Analytical and reporting skills with application of research
• Presenting complex material to diverse groups
• Ability to lead change and foster cross-organisational collaboration

Personal qualities – Essential

• Ability to travel throughout London (within their ICS) and occasionally other parts of the UK
• Willing to engage with peers and colleagues to provide appropriate interventions
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive practice
• Respect, empathy and ability to support learning and development of self and others
• Stamina, energy and enthusiasm to work under pressure

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a DBS submission will be made.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH

Employer's website: chelwest.nhs.uk